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March 14th, 2011 by Lela
Get a taste of the life of the Clan Macdonald as you stalk the woods for Big Eric, fish for fresh trout in Loch Laggan or scale the lofty peak of Creag Meagaidh to look down on the countryside made famous in the popular BBC television series Monarch of the Glen. As a guest of the Ardverikie Estate outside the small town of Laggan, you can indulge in the lifestyle of a Laird at one of the estate’s guest cottages snuggled into the landscape that brought the beauty of the Highlands into the hearts of the world.
The Ardverkie Castle
Ironcially, the history of Ardeverkie Castle is quite similar to the dilemmas faced by the fictitious residents…many times the fate of this 40,000 estate hung in the balance, but each time the determination of the owners triumphed and happy endings prevailed. Burned to the ground twice, the current castle was built in 1877 by Sir John William Ramsden who purchased the land from the ancestral Macpherson family in 1844. Notables from Queen Victoria to Dame Judy Dench (who portrayed the Queen’s visit to the estate) have relished the views from this bastion to Scottish determination.
Ghillie's Rest
Naturally, the current consortium that runs the estate does their best to live up to their glamorous image, beginning with a meticulous recreation of the favorite pub of the working folk of Glenboggle, now known as Ghullie’s rest. You can also tour the filming locations on the estate like the beach along the loch where many memorable scenes were filmed and comb surrounding countryside for the places that had cameos in the story like Killwillie Castle or the Glenboggle Post Office. Climb aboard the Jacobite Steam Train, also known as Harry Potter’s Hogwart’s Express, to glide through the gorgeous Scottish landscape in style.
The Jacobite Steam Train
If you have come to escape from the world, the hosts have made arrangements with several local businesses to deliver catered meals and even wine to the guests of the estate. Relish the seclusion of one of the remote self-catering cottages for a romantic weekend among the alpine meadows or bring the whole gang to stay in the guest lodges that comfortably house up to 13 guests. Be warned, after experiencing the Glenboggle magic of Ardverikie Castle, the temptations of the real world may not hold the same appeal!
Picture Credits:
1. Scottish Accommodation Guide
2. BBC.co.uk/scotland
3. Loch Lammond Holidays